What angle should I tune my ski edges?
Recreational Skier Bevel Recommendations
| Average Recreational Skier | Hard Snow | Soft Snow |
|---|---|---|
| Side Edge Bevel | 1° – 3° | 1° |
| Advanced Recreational Skier | ||
| Base Edge Bevel | .5° – 1° | 1° |
| Side Edge Bevel | 2° – 3° | 1° – 2° |
What is ski base edge?
Base Edge Thoughts The amount of base edge bevel will affect the ability of the ski/board to pivot on the snow. The more base edge bevel, the easier it will be to pivot or slide from side to side. Once you set the base edge angle, you can’t go back to the original because of the base material.
How sharp should ski edges be?
Your skis edge should be sharp enough to shave tiny bits of your nail when rubbing your nail up and down across the edge. Ski edges should not be as sharper than a butter knife but not as sharp as a dull kitchen knife.
How sharp should my ski edges be?
How sharp should my skis be? Your skis edge should be sharp enough to shave tiny bits of your nail when rubbing your nail up and down across the edge. Ski edges should not be as sharper than a butter knife but not as sharp as a dull kitchen knife.
Can ski edges be too sharp?
If you’re experiencing such jerkiness, your skis’ edges might simply be too sharp. They will improve as the edges dull, but waiting until they dull is frustrating. Take them back to the shop, and ask the tech to dull the edges with emery paper or a gummy stone.
What can I use instead of a gummy stone?
A smooth rock, nail file, or even the metal poles of a ski stand will work pretty good for just taking the ‘edge’ off your edge… as such.
What’s the best way to tune a ski edge?
For best results, begin with a ski that is stone ground flat. Hold the ski in a vise with the base up and use a Base BEAST and an 8″ mill file to establish your base edge bevel. Begin on the far edge with extended arms and pull file toward you with 8-12″ strokes.
Why do you use base and edge bevels on skis?
The base and edge bevels work together to make the ski easier or harder to turn, more or less grabbier etc. As a recreational skier, I used to use 1 degree base and 2 degrees on the side, for all my skis, including slalom, GS, fun skis, kids skis etc. This keeps things simple.
How much does a base edge guide cost?
Lastly we have the Toko Adjustable Base Edge File Guide, which sells for $48, and adjusts between 0.5-1.5 degrees. Those of you that have read my review on adjustable side-edge guides know that I am not particularly fond of any adjustable edge tool. The Toko is no exception.
What to do about convex edges on skis?
Maintain your base edge with very light polishing with a Base BEAST and a diamond stone after any side edge sharpening. Abrasive hard-snow conditions wear on the outer edges of the base and cause convexity. Have your skis stone ground to re-establish a flat base if your ski becomes unstable because of excessive wear.